Physical Health
Chronic Illness
Chronic illness is a long-term illness that usually cannot be cured, although it may be able to be managed. Examples of chronic illnesses can include diabetes, arthritis, HIV/AIDS, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Most chronic illnesses persist throughout a person’s life and involve adjustment to demands of the illness, causing additional stress and significant life changes. Thus, individuals with chronic illnesses have been found to be twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression.
Common stresses related to chronic illness can include:
- Living with the physical effects of the illness
- Seeking or undergoing treatment
- Communicating with doctors
- Maintaining confidence and a positive self-image
- Maintaining emotional balance
- Occasionally, a loss of a previous way of life
- Changes to mobility
- Changes to independence
- Changes to ability to work
How is chronic illness treated psychologically?
Speaking to a mental health professional can help individuals with a chronic illness learn to manage stress and learn effective strategies to cope with their illness as well as how they are feeling.
If you or someone you know is having difficulty coping with chronic illness, reach out to us to see how we can help.
Chronic Pain
We all feel pain from time to time. However, chronic pain is different in that it does not go away. Chronic pain can be defined as any pain that lasts for three months or longer. Chronic pain can occur anywhere in the body and range from being mild to severe.
Chronic pain can have many effects on our daily activities, as well as our mental health by making us feel anger, depression, anxiety, and frustration. Oftentimes, these emotions can also increase the experience of pain, resulting in a cycle.
How can chronic pain be treated psychologically?
Psychotherapy can assist individuals in building emotional skills to cope with stress related to chronic pain. Additionally, relaxation techniques and mindfulness may also be helpful in coping with stress. Lastly, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals to address beliefs about their pain.
If you or someone you know is having difficulty coping with chronic pain, contact us to see how we can help.
Disability
A disability can be any condition of the body or the mind that makes it more difficult for a person to do activities, work, or interact with the world around them. According to the World Health Organization, disability has three dimensions:
- Impairment in body or mental functioning
- Activity limitation such as difficulty walking, hearing, or problem solving
- Participation restrictions such as working or engaging in social activities
If you or someone you know is struggling with coping with a disability of any kind, contact us to see how we can help.
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Toronto Psychologists
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